Thanks for the good news on both fronts.

The article that needs to be written, again and again, until something meaningful is accomplished.

Cleveland's lakefront parks have problems that go beyond trash and weeds: Mark Naymik

 

Published: Saturday, June 23, 2012, 4:00 PM

By Mark Naymik, The Plain Dealer

 

The condition of Cleveland's state-run lakefront parks is worse than I thought.

I detailed on Tuesday some of the shoddy upkeep at three parks – Euclid Beach, Wildwood/Villa Angela and Edgewater -- noting overgrown grass, uncollected trash and the poor conditions of amenities, from rotting picnic tables to busted restrooms.

 

Urged by beach users to stay on the issue, I looked this week beyond the cosmetic problems and discovered something more outrageous than overflowing trash cans.

 

I discovered years of bureaucratic inaction, which is more challenging to unclog than the toughest public toilet.

 

The poor condition of the Cleveland's lakefront park system, which also includes Gordon Park and the East 55th Street Marina, dates back to at least 1978. That's when cash-strapped Cleveland, a lousy steward of the properties, handed them to the state.

 

In 2004, The Plain Dealer documented the parks' poor conditions under state control. The story and related photos generated public outrage and prompted the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to immediately launch an aggressive but short-lived assault on the weeds and graffiti and other problems.

 

read the rest here:

http://www.cleveland.com/naymik/index.ssf/2012/06/clevelands_lakefront_parks_hav.html

I drive by Edgewater Park everyday to/from work and everyday I ask myself, why isn't this park utilized to its full potential? 

 

I'm baffled at the fact that our "beach" is nothing more than a huge parking lot.

 

Where are the attractions?  Build 15-20 food stands and rent them out to local chefs and entrepreneurs to sell their foods. This will attract people. Make it legal to consume alcohol within this area and have a small stage where bands can perform.

 

Just make it a destination for people. Kinda like Whiskey Island but 10 times bigger.

^The state owns edgewater and has a contract with the restaurant and honey hut and that contract says no other vendors on the property.  granted thats a bad contract to sign, and it could be changed...but as for right now, cant have it. 

 

I agree, need more public art, beauty, etc.

^The state owns edgewater and has a contract with the restaurant and honey hut and that contract says no other vendors on the property.  granted thats a bad contract to sign, and it could be changed...but as for right now, cant have it. 

 

I agree, need more public art, beauty, etc.

 

I'm not sure why the state would be so dumb as to sign such a contract. You just automatically tie your hands behind your back by giving someone else a monopoly.

^they don't have anyone to supervise basic services like trash pickup & mowing.  They definitely don't have anyone to coordinate concerts, food trucks, and other vendors...

^they don't have anyone to supervise basic services like trash pickup & mowing.  They definitely don't have anyone to coordinate concerts, food trucks, and other vendors...

 

Then find someone...

How difficult could it possibly be?

 

 

I agree.  With such a huge asset that Edgewater is, I think it could be a money maker with very little effort.  Promote some local music concerts & art shows, charge the vendors a fee to sell goods & merchandise there.  Install some high quality sports fields, either softball, volleyball, whatever.  Have a winter skate park.  Pretty soon you've got a steady income stream and a building base of users.  More than enough activity to justify a year round "event coordinator". 

 

As it is now, there is zero promotion that goes into Edgewater Park.  Outside of "Friends of Edgewater", there is no social media, nothing promoting the handful of events that take place there like the kite flying convention, the ultra-marathon, the recycled flotation competition, etc.

Well I'm glad to know there is a kite convention that takes place there. I just received  a bunch of Gayla kites; the Sky Spy and Baby Bat styles.

But on a serious note, yes there could easily be an event coordinator/park manager that could produce a constant stream of profits for the state.

 

Like I mentioned, create a designated area for eating, drinking and events. Take full advantage of the location and the views...

 

I agree.  With such a huge asset that Edgewater is, I think it could be a money maker with very little effort.  Promote some local music concerts & art shows, charge the vendors a fee to sell goods & merchandise there.  Install some high quality sports fields, either softball, volleyball, whatever.  Have a winter skate park.  Pretty soon you've got a steady income stream and a building base of users.  More than enough activity to justify a year round "event coordinator". 

 

As it is now, there is zero promotion that goes into Edgewater Park.  Outside of "Friends of Edgewater", there is no social media, nothing promoting the handful of events that take place there like the kite flying convention, the ultra-marathon, the recycled flotation competition, etc.

 

That all sounds nice but I have two words for you "insurance" and "security" at a state park.  There is a crap load of red tape when you use a state facility.

So apparently every other major city in the US has managed to figure out a way to use its parks to the fullest potential but Cleveland...

So apparently every other major city in the US has managed to figure out a way to use its parks to the fullest potential but Cleveland...

generalizing are you?

There certainly could be more programming. 

 

Biggest problem is that Edgewater wants to be a beach, and even though thousands use it as a beach every year, it really isn't one.  You can hardly walk barefoot there at all.  Hats off to those folks who volunteer to clean it.

So apparently every other major city in the US has managed to figure out a way to use its parks to the fullest potential but Cleveland...

 

This is extremely frustrating. In fact, it's especially disconcerting because there is so little access to the water here. And the precious access we do have is not taken care of. Government inaction.

 

 

Ok, I'm back in an optimistic mood. Anyone else think it would be a good idea to have retail along the northern/lakeside of the Shoreway/Boulevard? Like, not so much as to block views. But just enough for some critical mass.

 

This is St. Joes Michigan. Sorry I couldn't get a closer pic. But imagine if the building atop the hillside featured better architecture, like to match Don's Lighthouse. You could park along the road. The stairway could usher people down the grass hill and onto the beach. The paved walking path would be improved (boardwalk!) and there is plenty of room down there for further smart development ie retail, nature center, fire pits, changing rooms, etc.

 

Ya know, the kinda stuff that's around most every other beach in America.

 

So apparently every other major city in the US has managed to figure out a way to use its parks to the fullest potential but Cleveland...

 

This is extremely frustrating. In fact, it's especially disconcerting because there is so little access to the water here. And the precious access we do have is not taken care of. Government inaction.

 

They are working to address it.  If all goes as planned, in another 4-5 years, there will be access at the following:

W. 65th - pedestrians

W. 73rd - cars & pedestrians

W. 76th - pedestrians

Lake Ave - pedestrians

West Blvd - cars & pedestrians

So apparently every other major city in the US has managed to figure out a way to use its parks to the fullest potential but Cleveland...

 

This is extremely frustrating. In fact, it's especially disconcerting because there is so little access to the water here. And the precious access we do have is not taken care of. Government inaction.

 

They are working to address it.  If all goes as planned, in another 4-5 years, there will be access at the following:

W. 65th - pedestrians

W. 73rd - cars & pedestrians

W. 76th - pedestrians

Lake Ave - pedestrians

West Blvd - cars & pedestrians

 

Those are all access points to Edgewater.  My point was- and sorry I wasn't clearer- is most of the lakefront in CLE is off limits. The section that is available, aka Edge, is a rare luxury and should be exalted. But it's not; instead it remains an underutilized asset.

Beyond access, I don't really see any problems with Edgewater.  I don't want any retail beyond ice cream there. It really is one of my favorite places in Cleveland. The fact that it is a great big open field next to the lake is it's best quality. I can think of nothing better than a summer afternoon at Edgewater with some grilling materials, a beer, and a frisbee.

Beyond access, I don't really see any problems with Edgewater.  I don't want any retail beyond ice cream there. It really is one of my favorite places in Cleveland. The fact that it is a great big open field next to the lake is it's best quality. I can think of nothing better than a summer afternoon at Edgewater with some grilling materials, a beer, and a frisbee.

 

Please don't take this the wrong way, but have you been to other beaches? 

Nope, never been to a beach.  Is that where there's water by the land?

Nope, never been to a beach.  Is that where there's water by the land?

 

My point is, you seem okay with the conditions at Edge. I'm interested in your opinion because you, unlike the vast majority of Clevelanders, actually goes there instead of just speeding by it at 65 mph.

 

You said "The fact that it is a great big OPEN FIELD next to the lake is it's best quality."

 

This makes me wonder if you go to the beach part. Again, I'm not being sarcastic. A good number of Park visitors don't venture onto the actual sand. I'm trying to get more people to realize the potential of the beach so that there are more people interested in solving the trash issue.

 

 

 

 

I don't generally use the beach part. I suppose if I were more interested in that aspect of it I would look for improvements.

I don't generally use the beach part. I suppose if I were more interested in that aspect of it I would look for improvements.

 

Thanks!!

There was a blurb in yesterday's USA today on our nation's cleanest and dirtiest beaches.

 

Thankfully Edgewater was not on the list.  Euclid and Villa Angela (?) did.

 

http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/dispatches/post/2012/06/survey-clean-beaches-national-resources-defense-council/789540/1

Updated.

 

LAKEFRONT RESERVATION

 

On June 6, 2013 Cleveland Metroparks assumed management of certain Lakefront State properties which include Edgewater

Park, E. 55 th St. Marina, Gordon Park,Euclid BeachPark, Villa Angela and Wildwood Park. While the City of Cleveland will continue to own the properties, Cleveland Metroparks holds a 99 year lease to manage and enhance the parks, with a commitment to outstanding stewardship. Euclid Beach Park, Villa AngelaPark and Wildwood Park join Euclid Creek Reservation, while Edgewater Park, E. 55 th St. Marinaand Gordon Park comprise Cleveland Metroparks newest reservation, Lakefront Reservation.

From beaches to boat ramps, fitness trails to fishing piers, Lakefront Reservation is a true gem in the “Emerald Necklace” anchoring Cleveland Metroparks presence on the shores of Lake Erie. Located in Cleveland, Lakefront Reservation is made up of three very distinct properties, Edgewater Park,

Gordon Park and E. 55 th St. Marina.

Edgewater Park with its 6,000 feet of shoreline features two beaches, a playground, reservable pavilions and one of the best views of downtown Cleveland. A nearby fishing pier provides anglers access to Lake Erie while the boat ramps offer one of the few public boating access points on the west side of the city. Edgewater Beach, a 900-foot swimming beach is open with lifeguards daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. through mid-August.

 

Gordon Park was donated to the City of Cleveland by William J. Gordon in 1893 who stipulated the park always be open to the public and remain Gordon Park. Part of an Audubon Important Birding Area, Gordon Park provides the best viewing for alarge number of diverse and rare gulls and ducks. The 1.3 miles of armored coastline andonshore fishing platforms provide excellent fishing opportunities and is known for winter catches of steelhead and salmon.

Anglers and boaters can take advantage of the 1,200-foot fishing platform, eight transient docks and concession facility at the E. 55 th St. Marina.

The 17-mile Cleveland Lakefront Bike Trail traces the Lake Erie shoreline providing access to Edgewater Park, the E. 55 th St. Marina, Gordon Park, Euclid Beach Park, Villa Angela Park and Wildwood Park.

 

http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Main/Reservations-Partners/Lakefront-Reservation-18.aspx

 

Updated.

 

LAKEFRONT RESERVATION

 

On June 6, 2013 Cleveland Metroparks assumed management of certain Lakefront State properties which include Edgewater

Park, E. 55 th St. Marina, Gordon Park,Euclid BeachPark, Villa Angela and Wildwood Park. While the City of Cleveland will continue to own the properties, Cleveland Metroparks holds a 99 year lease to manage and enhance the parks, with a commitment to outstanding stewardship. Euclid Beach Park, Villa AngelaPark and Wildwood Park join Euclid Creek Reservation, while Edgewater Park, E. 55 th St. Marinaand Gordon Park comprise Cleveland Metroparks newest reservation, Lakefront Reservation.

From beaches to boat ramps, fitness trails to fishing piers, Lakefront Reservation is a true gem in the “Emerald Necklace” anchoring Cleveland Metroparks presence on the shores of Lake Erie. Located in Cleveland, Lakefront Reservation is made up of three very distinct properties, Edgewater Park,

Gordon Park and E. 55 th St. Marina.

Edgewater Park with its 6,000 feet of shoreline features two beaches, a playground, reservable pavilions and one of the best views of downtown Cleveland. A nearby fishing pier provides anglers access to Lake Erie while the boat ramps offer one of the few public boating access points on the west side of the city. Edgewater Beach, a 900-foot swimming beach is open with lifeguards daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. through mid-August.

 

Gordon Park was donated to the City of Cleveland by William J. Gordon in 1893 who stipulated the park always be open to the public and remain Gordon Park. Part of an Audubon Important Birding Area, Gordon Park provides the best viewing for alarge number of diverse and rare gulls and ducks. The 1.3 miles of armored coastline andonshore fishing platforms provide excellent fishing opportunities and is known for winter catches of steelhead and salmon.

Anglers and boaters can take advantage of the 1,200-foot fishing platform, eight transient docks and concession facility at the E. 55 th St. Marina.

The 17-mile Cleveland Lakefront Bike Trail traces the Lake Erie shoreline providing access to Edgewater Park, the E. 55 th St. Marina, Gordon Park, Euclid Beach Park, Villa Angela Park and Wildwood Park.

 

http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Main/Reservations-Partners/Lakefront-Reservation-18.aspx

 

 

Just drove by Edgewater a minute ago and it was looking freaking AMAZING.  This is the greatest thing that's happened to Cleveland since the '95 Tribe!

Even with all the rain we've had the past two weeks the place looks amazing.

I'd say it probably looks great in part because of the rain. Parks and particularly ones with lots of grass start to look awful this time of the year.

I was driving by this morning and saw uniformed park employees walking around with clipboards pointing at things (that's gotta be good!).    This is a big step forward from the state employees, who I seldom saw!

I dont have transportation to the west side I was wondering if someone could take pictures of the improved Edgewater park?

If you Photoshop the garbage out of some pictures of the old Edgewater Park I think you'll have the right idea.

^lol

 

If you Photoshop the garbage out of some pictures of the old Edgewater Park I think you'll have the right idea.

 

And the tall, uncut grass. And the storm-felled trees and branches that have been lying there for months. And bathrooms worse than anything I ever saw in Ukraine.....

The family and I went to Edgewater Park this weekend and the park looked fantastic. The beach was another story. As a long time former smoker, I don't begrudge people to smoke where they are allowed. However, the number of people who I saw smoking and then flicking their butts after they stubbed them out was astounding. The beach was littered with cigarette butts. There was an older man sitting next to us smoked like a chimney the whole time we were at Edgewater. He took twenty minutes meticulously packing up his blanket and his belongings but made no effort to pick up the NINE cigarette butts where he stubbed them out. I picked them up before we left. First trip to Edgewater in four years and the last one. I just can't do it. It's a shame since it's less than five minutes from my house. It doesn't mean sh*t what the Metroparks does to clean up the place if they are going to let everyone trash it. what a disappointment. Back to Huntington we go.

I am an ex-smoker myself.  It astounds me how many smokers do not consider butts litter.  I was always very conscientious of butts and disposed of them accordingly, including keeping an empty soda can in my car for disposal while driving (it drives me nuts when people just throw their butts out on the street).

You're a hero, Stpats for picking those butts up.

 

For the very practical reason you guys highlight, I would favor a total smoking ban on the beach. If we really want a beach that's nice enough for people to use barefoot, you have to be slightly draconian.  A ban would certainly be a lot easier to enforce than littering regs. Glass bottles should probably be banned too (I know they are on national park beaches). 

The family and I went to Edgewater Park this weekend and the park looked fantastic. The beach was another story. As a long time former smoker, I don't begrudge people to smoke where they are allowed. However, the number of people who I saw smoking and then flicking their butts after they stubbed them out was astounding. The beach was littered with cigarette butts. There was an older man sitting next to us smoked like a chimney the whole time we were at Edgewater. He took twenty minutes meticulously packing up his blanket and his belongings but made no effort to pick up the NINE cigarette butts where he stubbed them out. I picked them up before we left. First trip to Edgewater in four years and the last one. I just can't do it. It's a shame since it's less than five minutes from my house. It doesn't mean sh*t what the Metroparks does to clean up the place if they are going to let everyone trash it. what a disappointment. Back to Huntington we go.

Did you actually make a complaint to Metroparks? If not, just running away to another beach is only solving your problem, not everyones. This is a huge pet peave of mine as well, but I haven't spent much time there as I've been away. Sending a Twit-pic to Metroparks would get it very visible and probably get traction on the overall issue.

The family and I went to Edgewater Park this weekend and the park looked fantastic. The beach was another story. As a long time former smoker, I don't begrudge people to smoke where they are allowed. However, the number of people who I saw smoking and then flicking their butts after they stubbed them out was astounding. The beach was littered with cigarette butts. There was an older man sitting next to us smoked like a chimney the whole time we were at Edgewater. He took twenty minutes meticulously packing up his blanket and his belongings but made no effort to pick up the NINE cigarette butts where he stubbed them out. I picked them up before we left. First trip to Edgewater in four years and the last one. I just can't do it. It's a shame since it's less than five minutes from my house. It doesn't mean sh*t what the Metroparks does to clean up the place if they are going to let everyone trash it. what a disappointment. Back to Huntington we go.

Did you actually make a complaint to Metroparks? If not, just running away to another beach is only solving your problem, not everyones. This is a huge pet peave of mine as well, but I haven't spent much time there as I've been away. Sending a Twit-pic to Metroparks would get it very visible and probably get traction on the overall issue.

 

I was just going to ask that.  Why not ask the guy nicely to pick up the butts and explain nicely why his actions affect all.  Also, others have reported more park rangers, get them involved!

 

You're a hero, Stpats for picking those butts up.

 

For the very practical reason you guys highlight, I would favor a total smoking ban on the beach. If we really want a beach that's nice enough for people to use barefoot, you have to be slightly draconian.  A ban would certainly be a lot easier to enforce than littering regs. Glass bottles should probably be banned too (I know they are on national park beaches). 

Agree!

Print and post this the next time you're in the park.......

 

I would LOVE IT if the beaches were non-smoking.

I am in the process of notifying the Metroparks. My wife asked me not to say anything to him since everyone else around us were doing the same thing as he was...tossing their butts in the sand.

^^And to be clear, it's not some pie in the sky idea.  Other places already ban smoking on beaches (and even in parks).

Pages 19 – 21 are particularly interesting…

 

http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Resource.ashx?sn=Edgewater-Park-Business-Plan-2012-11-13

 

 

^^And to be clear, it's not some pie in the sky idea.  Other places already ban smoking on beaches (and even in parks).

 

I'm torn on the smoking issue. I hate banning things, but time and again for whatever reason many just don't consider this littering. This is something that can be fixed with a little education. This cigarette littering is but one area where the visitors have to learn a little bit of beach etiquette.

Pages 19 – 21 are particularly interesting…

 

http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Resource.ashx?sn=Edgewater-Park-Business-Plan-2012-11-13

 

 

Interesting. It seems that parking attendant booths are in their plan (and subsequent revenue pages). I've always thought this would be a good idea, however my only reservation is that you'll see large numbers of people parking on Lake Ave, West Blvd, Clifton to avoid going into the lot and paying a fee. Same for lower Edgewater. Now that the tunnel is open, you'll have the streets up there being congested with users who want to avoid paying to park at the beach. Could create a big mess for the residential areas around the park.

 

 

 

 

Now that the tunnel is open, you'll have the streets up there being congested with users who want to avoid paying to park at the beach. Could create a big mess for the residential areas around the park.

 

Agree. But that is the reality of virtually every desirable coastal area in the country.

Pages 19 – 21 are particularly interesting…

 

http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Resource.ashx?sn=Edgewater-Park-Business-Plan-2012-11-13

 

 

Interesting. It seems that parking attendant booths are in their plan (and subsequent revenue pages). I've always thought this would be a good idea, however my only reservation is that you'll see large numbers of people parking on Lake Ave, West Blvd, Clifton to avoid going into the lot and paying a fee. Same for lower Edgewater. Now that the tunnel is open, you'll have the streets up there being congested with users who want to avoid paying to park at the beach. Could create a big mess for the residential areas around the park.

I don't know, it's already difficult to find parking along those sections of Lake Ave, West Blvd, and Clifton nearest to Edgewater. I guess some issues might be seen with people parking in the Detroit Shoreway/Gordon Square and Battery Park neighborhoods though. Then again, a lot of residents park on those streets in that neighborhood as well, so, anyone going to Edgewater might just accept the new parking fees.

Pages 19 – 21 are particularly interesting…

 

http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Resource.ashx?sn=Edgewater-Park-Business-Plan-2012-11-13

 

 

Interesting. It seems that parking attendant booths are in their plan (and subsequent revenue pages). I've always thought this would be a good idea, however my only reservation is that you'll see large numbers of people parking on Lake Ave, West Blvd, Clifton to avoid going into the lot and paying a fee. Same for lower Edgewater. Now that the tunnel is open, you'll have the streets up there being congested with users who want to avoid paying to park at the beach. Could create a big mess for the residential areas around the park.

I don't know, it's already difficult to find parking along those sections of Lake Ave, West Blvd, and Clifton nearest to Edgewater. I guess some issues might be seen with people parking in the Detroit Shoreway/Gordon Square and Battery Park neighborhoods though. Then again, a lot of residents park on those streets in that neighborhood as well, so, anyone going to Edgewater might just accept the new parking fees.

 

It really depends on how often they collect a fee and what the cost will be. My guess is that they'd only have user parking fees during the weekends in summer. If the charge is nominal enough, let's say $3, then people most likely wouldn't bother trying to park in the surrounding neighborhoods. But if it's something closer to $8 or $10, I'm sure there'd be quite a few looking to street park and take the underpass.

 

I just can't see them collecting a parking fee during all hours the park is open. A lot of people just come to the park for 15 minutes to take a quick jog, walk their dog, or catch the sunset and be on their way. A parking fee might turn those folks away in favor of other neighborhood parks in the area.

 

On the other hand, I'd definitely be up for some sort of optional $50 annual family user pass. Perhaps something that gives you a bit of an extra perk at the park, without excluding any users based on a fee. They could have special closer lots for pass holders, and eventually as Cleveland Metroparks programming starts there, programs for pass holders.

I just drove by and saw park employees running weedeaters and cleaning....ON A SUNDAY!  Another step up from the state-run Edgewater!  It continues to get better!